Special Fall 2024 Offerings:

Invite a friend! All are welcome!

BEING WITH in 2024:

8 Tuesdays on Zoom (7:15–8.30 p.m.) Sept. 17, 24; Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Nov. 12

Learn from the Bible (and David Brooks) about being with others in a deep way. This program has the same structure as Being With 2023 (short presentations by clergy followed by facilitated small group discussions). The focus this time is on Jesus’ call for us to see ourselves and each other with eyes of love, despite these polarized times. This series is inspired by the book How to Know a Person, by longtime New York Times columnist and PBS commentator David Brooks. Register online HERE.

Bible Study on the Letter of James:

5 Thursday Nights (7–8:15 p.m.) Sept. 19, 26; Oct. 3, 10, 17

Join parishioner Anna Wallich on Zoom for an in-depth study of the Book of James. Register online HERE.

Gestalt Soul Care Course:

4 Saturdays (9 a.m.–5 p.m.) Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26

Parishioner and Gestalt Soul Care Mentor, Alexandra MacCracken leads an in-person intensive course in Gestalt Soul Care. Learn powerful tools and approaches as you are also achieving your own inner healing and growth work! Contact Alexandra for more information and to register.

Listening Hearts Training for Discerners:

4 Saturdays (10 a.m.–2 p.m.) Oct. 26; Nov. 2, 9, 23

This 4-part training is for those who feel the call to assist people seeking God’s guidance in making decisions through the Listening Heart Discernment process. Sessions are in person at the church. For more information and to register, contact Frances Sullinger.

Wellness Circles:

Examine your life using the Living Compass curriculum. Areas of focus are Care of Body, Stress, Vocation, Organization, Rest and Play, Spirituality, Emotions, and Relationships. A reprise of last year’s well-received groups—one for mid-lifers and the other for later-life participants.

Wellness Circle for Grown-Ups in the Middle – Led by parishioner Nicole Seevers for 6 Wednesday evenings on Zoom (7–8.15 p.m.) Oct. 16, 23, 30; Nov. 6, 13, and 20. Register online HERE.

Wellness Circle for Later Life – In-person gatherings at the church led by parishioner Pamela Rosenthal on 6 Thursdays (Noon–1 p.m.) Oct. 31; Nov. 7, 14, 21; Dec. 5, 12. Register online HERE.

Adult Sunday Bible Study:

Every Sunday at 11:15 a.m.; Oct. 6–Dec. 8

Join us in the Chapel after Sunday services to discuss Bible readings from the Lectionary, using the “Feasting on the Word” curriculum. This is a drop-in class—come to one, come to all! No registration required.

Advent Quiet Morning:

Saturday, Dec. 14; 9 a.m.–Noon

Spend a peaceful morning preparing your heart for Christmas. Like last year, this program with be co-hosted with Contemplative Outreach of Northern Virginia.

Men’s Bible Study

Tuesdays; 6:45–7:45 a.m. on Zoom

Women’s Bible Study

Tuesdays; 6:45–7:45 a.m. on Zoom

Sunday Forums:

Sunday Forums address a wide variety of subjects—all intended to deepen our relationships with one another and with God.

Every Sunday at 11:15 a.m.; Sept. 22–Dec. 8

EfM – Education for Ministry:

University of the South study program led by trained mentors that takes participants on a four-year journey of theological study, Bible interpretation, and reflection. Participants read and discuss the Old Testament (year 1), the New Testament (year 2), Church History (year 3), and Theology (year 4). You do not have to commit to all 4 program years when registering, nor complete in 4 years. Holy Comforter offers two sessions of EfM:

Since its founding in 1975, this international program has assisted more than 120,000 participants discover and nurture their call to Christian service where they live, work, and play. EfM helps the faithful discover the Christian tradition, bringing it into conversation with their experiences of the world. EfM seminar groups meet onsite and online, developing theologically informed, reflective, and articulate seekers of God.

Holy Comforter offers two sessions of EfM:

Virtual 2½-hour meetings every Wednesday evening (6:30–9:00 p.m. starting mid September). Please contact Diane Stoddard.

In-person 3-hour meetings every other Sunday, with hybrid option (3:00–6:00 p.m. starting mid September). Please contact Joni Langevoort.

Registration now open for the 2024–2025 session. To register for Wednesday evenings, please contact Diane Stoddard. To register for Sunday afternoons, please contact Joni Langevoort.

Episcopal 101:

Episcopal 101 is a class for newcomers and old-timers alike—anyone who seeks a deeper relationship with God and to learn more about the Episcopal Church. Over the course of 11 sessions we will dive into the theology and history of the Episcopal Church, scripture, and the Book of Common Prayer; explore different forms of prayer; and learn about the ministries of Holy Comforter. At the end, some will choose to be baptized, confirmed, or received into the Episcopal Church, but that is not a requirement.

Class started on October 3. During autumn, we will meet (mostly on Zoom) on Tuesday evenings from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m. After Christmas there will be three in-person classes (once a month) open to everyone in the congregation.

Participation is limited to 20 people, with a minimum enrollment of 10. Class syllabus and online registration is available below.

Living Compass:

Beginning at the Parish Retreat in September, and then in small group sessions in October and November, join us to examine your life using the Living Compass curriculum. Areas of focus are Care of Body, Stress, Vocation, Organization, Rest and Play, Spirituality, Emotions, and Relationships. Learn more and take the Living Compass Assessment HERE. For more information, contact the Rev. Ann Gillespie.

Small Groups:

Small groups meet together to study scripture, pray, and have a time of fellowship. Some meet in person, some on zoom. For a list of these groups, contact the Church Office or the Rev. Ann Gillespie.

Being With

Come explore the meaning of life together as we learn and share in a positive and inclusive setting. There’s no book to buy or read, just a willingness to engage and be with others and with God. These conversations are for everyone—people new to Holy Comforter or new to Christianity, or even coming back to try Christianity again after a painful experience, as well as longtime members.

Currently, the group meets twice a month on Mondays from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m. on Zoom. For more information, please email Diane Poldy, Linda Christ. Matt Barazia or Gini Barazia.

Registration now closed for the July–October 2023 session.

Book and Movie Club:

Sponsored by the Becoming Beloved Community ministry, meets monthly, alternating between discussing books and movies, on topics that deepen understanding of racial justice. Check our Special Events calendar!

Sunday Adult Forum:

The Ministry Center is the venue for programs related to wellness and spirituality. Come explore subjects that particularly interest you as well as topics you know nothing about.

Sacred Ground:

Every other Monday, 7:00–8:30 p.m., beginning September 12.